How HealthAlliance Hospital Infusion Center Helped One Patient Navigate the Most Difficult Stages of Her Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Shortly after giving birth to her first daughter in March 2020, Amanda Batista noticed a lump in her breast. Despite her background working for the American Cancer Society, Batista initially dismissed the lump, attributing it to a potential breastfeeding complication.

Batista was connected with WMCHealth breast surgeon Zoe Weinstein, MD who performed a needle aspiration, suspecting a blocked milk duct. But after additional imaging, she found a tumor instead.

In November 2020, Batista was diagnosed with stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer, a type of cancer known for its rapid growth and high likelihood of spreading.

Batista needed to start treatment immediately. Her oncologist, Riolin Andrade, MD, recommended Batista start chemotherapy at the HealthAlliance Hospital Infusion Center.

Batista was scared. “The beginning of my treatment felt the most difficult,” she said. “On my first day of chemo, I wondered whether I would live to see my daughter turn one.”

While her family couldn't be physically present at the start of her treatment, the Infusion Center nursing staff became Batista’s pillars of support.

“They were so compassionate. You could tell they truly cared about their patients,” Batista said. “During every treatment, the nurses would sit and talk with me. They connected me to support services and resources and even helped me get a wig. They were my real cheerleaders.”

For Batista, the convenience of receiving high-quality care locally at the Infusion Center was a game changer. Being close to home allowed her to keep her job and health insurance, take care of her baby and receive help from nearby family members throughout the process.

“That’s why it’s so important to have a place like HealthAlliance Hospital — a place close to home where you can receive the support you need,” Batista said.

Between her first and final treatment, Batista’s tumor shrank from the size of a golf ball to a pea. In May 2021, she underwent a lumpectomy to remove the tumor.

While she isn't in remission just yet, Batista is doing well and thanks the Infusion Center for guiding her through the challenging chapters of her cancer journey.

“Every cancer journey is unique, and it’s uplifting to know that our local healthcare system can provide this level of support and personalized care,” Batista said. “I feel so grateful.”

To learn more about the Infusion Center, call 845.334.4901 or visit us here.